You want a bathroom that’s beautiful, safe, and functional—not just for today, but for the decades ahead. Whether you’re supporting aging parents, raising a family, or simply planning wisely, one design philosophy consistently delivers long-term value without sacrificing style: universal design.
At HomePride Bath, we believe your bathroom should serve you—not limit you. And in Colorado’s competitive housing market, a thoughtfully designed, accessible bathroom doesn’t just improve daily life. It future‑proofs your home.
In short: Universal design is a design approach that creates spaces usable by people of all ages and abilities—without specialized adaptation—by prioritizing safety, flexibility, and intuitive use.
Universal design is about creating spaces that work for everyone, regardless of age, mobility, or ability. It’s not medical. It’s not institutional. And it’s definitely not one‑size‑fits‑all.
Originally defined by architect Ronald Mace, universal design follows seven principles that blend usability with intuitive, elegant design. In a bathroom, those principles translate into practical upgrades that feel intentional—not obvious.
When these principles work together, the result doesn’t look “accessible.” It looks well designed.
Colorado is aging quickly. By 2030, nearly 1 in 5 residents will be over 60, and multigenerational households have risen sharply since 2010, according to data from the Colorado Health Institute. Meanwhile, 75% of people 50+ want to age in place, according to AARP's 2024 Home and Community Preferences Survey.
Bathrooms designed only for young, able-bodied adults increasingly feel outdated. Universal design keeps homes livable—and desirable—as demographics shift.
Designing for aging in place isn’t a trend. It’s a market reality.
Colorado’s Home Modification Tax Credit offers up to $5,000 for qualifying accessibility upgrades through 2028, as outlined by the Colorado Department of Revenue. When combined with federal incentives for energy‑efficient fixtures, homeowners can meaningfully reduce out‑of‑pocket costs.
More importantly, homes with accessible features consistently command higher resale value—especially in high-demand markets like Denver, Boulder, and Colorado Springs.
Today’s universal design bathrooms prove that accessibility and luxury can—and should—coexist. Modern accessible spaces are intentionally designed to enhance both usability and aesthetics, without feeling clinical, dated, or compromised.
What defines today’s elevated accessible design?
Accessibility no longer signals limitation. It signals intention—design choices made with foresight, dignity, and long-term livability in mind.
Bathroom falls remain one of the leading causes of injury in the home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most nonfatal bathroom injuries are caused by slips and falls—many occurring in tubs and showers—making thoughtful, safety-forward design one of the most effective ways to reduce risk without sacrificing comfort or style.
Universal design reduces these risks through smart planning
These upgrades protect everyone—from toddlers to aging parents to homeowners recovering from injury.
Convenience for Every User
Adjustable-height vanities (typically 28–34 inches), pull‑down shelving, and reachable storage don’t just improve accessibility—they improve usability. The space adapts to you, not the other way around.
Easier Cleaning, Less Maintenance
Large‑format tile, quartz surfaces, and touchless fixtures mean fewer grout lines, fewer germs, and less scrubbing—ideal for busy households and short‑term rentals alike.
Between state tax credits and federal incentives, homeowners may offset 25–50% of qualifying upgrade costs. Reduced fall risk can also lead to lower insurance premiums—an often-overlooked benefit.
Homes with accessible features command significant price premiums in today's market. According to research by Orchard analyzing over 640,000 home sales in Dallas-Fort Worth, homes with accessibility features sold for an average of $378,000 compared to $344,000 for homes without these features—a $34,000 increase in property value. This reflects growing buyer demand for homes designed for aging in place, with features like wider doorways adding an average of $56,000 to home values.
Buyers increasingly prioritize homes they can grow into, not out of.
Aging‑ready homes are in short supply. Universal design helps yours stand out.
Colorado continues to lead with:
The market—and the policy landscape—are aligned.
A Colorado homeowner worked with HomePride Bath to create a bathroom designed for aging in place, incorporating universal design principles recommended by accessibility experts.
The Project:
The Impact: Research shows these upgrades deliver measurable value. According to Orchard's analysis, homes with accessibility features command significant price premiums—with features like wider doorways and accessible bathrooms adding thousands to their home’s value. As a Colorado homeowner with a qualifying disability they were eligible for $5,000 in state tax credits through the Colorado Home Modification Tax Credit program, administered by the Division of Housing.
Beyond financial benefits, universal design creates spaces that serve every family member comfortably and safely—from young children to aging parents. The result is a bathroom built not just for today, but for decades of independence.
Universal design isn’t about preparing for decline. It’s about designing for life—at every stage.
At HomePride Bath, we guide homeowners through every step, from layout strategy to fixture selection, ensuring your bathroom is as welcoming at 80 as it is at 30.
You don’t have to sacrifice style for safety—or value for comfort. HomePride Bath helps Colorado homeowners create bathrooms that:
👉 Schedule your free consultation today. No pressure. Just expert guidance, tailored design, and smart solutions for Colorado homes.
🎁 Download our free Universal Design in the Bathroom Guide
Universal design in a bathroom means creating a space that is safe, comfortable, and usable for people of all ages and abilities—without requiring special adaptations or medical-looking features.
Yes. Homes with accessible, aging-in-place features often sell faster and at higher prices because they appeal to a broader range of buyers, including older adults and multigenerational households.
No. Universal design benefits everyone—from young children to adults recovering from injury to homeowners planning for long-term independence.
Key features include curbless showers, slip-resistant flooring, adjustable-height fixtures, lever handles, adequate lighting, and layouts that allow easy movement.
Yes. Colorado homeowners may qualify for the Home Modification Tax Credit for eligible accessibility improvements, along with certain federal incentives.